About Wander

About Jesse Collier (aka Wander)
The Story of WanderScape Art

Welcome, and thank you for being here! I’m Jesse Collier, better known as Wander, the heart behind Wander Scape Art. My journey has been one of transformation, resilience, and, above all, the pursuit of art that connects with people in profound and unexpected ways.

Growing up in Flagstaff, Arizona—a small town bursting with creative energy—art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From drawing and painting in childhood to taking on new mediums in middle and high school, I embraced every opportunity to grow my craft. Art was my passion, and when I discovered the powerful, raw expression of street art in high school, it felt like finding my creative voice. This love, however, took me down a difficult path, and in 2008, my life changed drastically. A tragedy during a weed deal gone wrong led to an 8 ½-year prison sentence for my involvement.

In prison, I was determined to grow from my experiences, spending those years transforming my life and my outlook. Art became my anchor and my way forward. I earned two degrees and several certifications, but what truly kept me going was my art. I sketched portraits, designed tattoos, and created cards for other inmates, eventually gaining the opportunity to work on special projects for the Department of Corrections. Each piece I worked on reminded me of art’s incredible ability to connect and uplift, no matter where we find ourselves.

After my release in 2016, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, but my passion for painting only deepened. Reconnecting with an old friend, I found myself part of a local art community in Flagstaff. We established an Art Park on private property—a safe place to paint and explore street art freely. This experience marked a turning point for me. I began to refine my spray-paint techniques and ventured into professional mural work. My first project—a mini-golf and escape room mural—was a humbling, eye-opening experience that taught me to respect my own time, effort, and the value of art.

Not long after, I co-founded the Street Impact Movement, a nonprofit with a mission close to my heart. We worked with youth in trouble with the law, giving them a safe space to express themselves artistically while offering mentorship through shared experiences. This project gained momentum, and we began working within the community, hosting workshops, leading events, and engaging the public through art. Although the COVID pandemic paused our plans, I’m still proud of the impact we made and look forward to continuing the work when the time is right.

When travel reopened, my girlfriend and I decided to take a leap and see the world. We sold everything, packed our bags, and set off for Southeast Asia, beginning in Thailand. There, I had the chance to paint murals in exchange for food and a place to stay. Each place, each mural, and each interaction only deepened my desire to make art a constant in my life. The world became my canvas, and I was more inspired than ever to create art wherever we went.

Today, I continue my journey as a muralist, live painter, and digital artist, creating art that reflects the places I visit and the stories I encounter. Through Wander Scape Art, I make these designs available on merchandise, making art that’s accessible to people no matter where they are.

I’m excited to keep wandering, creating, and connecting with others who see art as a powerful force. Every mural, every festival, and every new place is an opportunity to share my story and inspire others. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

The more I wander, the more art I create. I hope you’ll join me for the adventure.